PE pipe lasts 100 years, study says

The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) has released the results of an analysis of the potential effects of disinfectants on potable water supply polyethylene (PE) pipe.

Commissioned by the PPI and The Alliance for PE Pipe and conducted by Jana Laboratories, Impact of Potable Water Disinfectants on PE Pipe examines chlorination, durability, oxidative aggressiveness, temperature, and pressure/stress in potable water systems.

“The base resin in a PE pipe formulation is highly engineered to provide the balance of properties required by the end-use application,” says Tony Radoszewski, PPI executive director. The study identifies the areas that should be addressed during an evaluation and is designed to help utility managers and water system design engineers address the longevity of PE pipe.

“Current models project that high-performance PE piping materials can, conservatively, provide more than 100 years of resistance to chlorine- and chloramine-treated potable water through the vast majority of potable water systems when properly designed and installed,” Radoszewski adds.

The report details the mechanisms of long-term aging of PE materials in potable water applications and examines the primary end-use and product factors affecting the mechanisms.

For full results, go to www.plasticpipe.org and search for “Impact of Potable Water Disinfectants on PE Pipe.”